Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting
Mass Shooting at Sikh Temple
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Oak Creek, Wisconsin
TIME PERIOD
August 5, 2012
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
On August 5, 2012, at approximately 10:25 a.m. CDT, a mass shooting occurred at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, when 40-year-old Wade Michael Page opened fire on worshippers, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuring four others. Page, a white supremacist and Army veteran, used a 9mm Springfield XD(M) semi-automatic pistol, which he had legally purchased. The attack targeted members of the Sikh faith, and following a confrontation with police, Page fatally shot himself after wounding an officer. The incident has been classified as a hate crime and domestic terrorism, prompting national and international responses, including statements from President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Singh. As of 2020, a seventh victim succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack, bringing the total fatalities to eight.
Wade Michael Page's actions are believed to be motivated by white supremacy, leading to speculation that he targeted the Sikh community due to misconceptions about their faith. Some theorize that the attack was part of a broader trend of hate crimes against minority groups in the U.S., reflecting a growing climate of intolerance. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion about the need for better awareness and education to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
The Tragic Attack at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek
The Incident
On a quiet Sunday morning, August 5, 2012, the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek became the scene of a horrific mass shooting. At approximately 10:25 a.m. CDT, Wade Michael Page, a 40-year-old white supremacist, launched a violent attack on the worshippers gathered at the temple, resulting in the death of six individuals and the injury of four more. Tragically, a seventh victim succumbed to his injuries in 2020. Page's rampage ended when he took his own life by shooting himself in the head after being shot in the stomach by responding police officers.
The Setting
The Sikh Temple, located at 7512 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, was a place of peace and reflection for the Sikh community. On that fateful day, it was bustling with preparations for langar, a communal meal, and children's classes scheduled for later in the morning. Witnesses reported that women and children were among those present when the shooting began. The temple, with its coordinates 42°54′29″N 87°54′39″W, became a tragic symbol of domestic terrorism and hate crime.
The Perpetrator
Wade Michael Page was no stranger to violence and extremist ideologies. Born on November 11, 1971, in Colorado, Page had served in the U.S. Army from 1992 to 1998, where he was trained to repair the Hawk missile system and later became a psychological operations specialist. His military career ended in disgrace with a general discharge due to misconduct, including alcohol-related incidents.
After his discharge, Page drifted into the world of white supremacy and neo-Nazi groups, becoming a member of the Hammerskins and participating in several white-power music bands such as End Apathy, Definite Hate, and Blue Eyed Devils. Despite his troubling background, Page managed to legally purchase a 9mm Springfield XD(M) semi-automatic pistol on July 28, 2012, in West Allis, Wisconsin, which he used in the attack.
The Attack
As the peaceful Sunday morning unfolded, chaos erupted at the Sikh Temple. Page, armed with his newly acquired pistol, opened fire on the unsuspecting worshippers. Four people were killed inside the temple, while three, including Page, died outside. The victims, ranging from 39 to 84 years old, included Paramjit Kaur, Satwant Singh Kaleka, Prakash Singh, Sita Singh, Ranjit Singh, and Suveg Singh.
The first police officer on the scene, Lieutenant Brian Murphy, confronted the gunman and was shot fifteen times. Despite his critical injuries, Murphy survived and was hailed as a hero. Three other men were rushed to Froedtert Hospital, including Murphy, who was later discharged on August 22, 2012.
The Investigation
The shooting was quickly classified as an act of domestic terrorism. The Oak Creek police, led by Chief John Edwards, handed the investigation over to the FBI. Authorities investigated potential ties to white supremacist groups and racial motivations. However, they found no evidence of additional conspirators or previous threats against the temple.
The FBI clarified that Page died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being shot by police. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder denounced the attack as an act of terrorism and hatred.
The Victims
The six victims of the attack were cherished members of the Sikh community. Satwant Singh Kaleka, the temple founder, was among those who lost their lives. Prakash Singh, a Granthi originally from India, had recently obtained his green card. The victims, who wore turbans as a part of their faith, included both Indian nationals and Americans.
Among the injured was Baba Punjab Singh, a Sikh Granthi who was left partially paralyzed and unable to speak. He died on March 2, 2020, at age 72, and his death was ruled a homicide.
The Aftermath
The attack sent shockwaves across the globe. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed their condolences. Candlelight vigils were held in the U.S., Canada, and India, with First Lady Michelle Obama visiting the temple on August 23, 2012.
In the political arena, the shooting prompted discussions about hate crimes and gun control. Amar Kaleka, the son of Satwant Singh Kaleka, became an advocate for these issues and ran for political office in Wisconsin.
The Sikh Coalition has since promoted the National Day of Sevā to honor the victims, while political scientist Naunihal Singh criticized the media's limited coverage of the attack, attributing it to the racial and religious identities of the shooter and victims.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article: Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting
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Sikh Temple Shooting
Wade Michael Page opens fire at the Sikh temple, killing six and injuring four others.
Page Commits Suicide
After being shot by police, Wade Michael Page fatally shoots himself.
Gunman Identified
Authorities identify Wade Michael Page as the shooter and confirm his ties to white supremacist groups.
Federal Investigation
The FBI classifies the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and begins a thorough investigation.
First Lady Visits
First Lady Michelle Obama visits the Sikh temple to pay respects to the victims' families.
Congressional Hearing
A Congressional hearing addresses hate crimes in response to the Sikh temple shooting.
Seventh Victim Dies
Baba Punjab Singh, injured in the shooting, dies from his wounds, bringing the death toll to eight.
On August 5, 2012, at approximately 10:25 a.m. CDT, a mass shooting occurred at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, when 40-year-old Wade Michael Page opened fire on worshippers, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuring four others. Page, a white supremacist and Army veteran, used a 9mm Springfield XD(M) semi-automatic pistol, which he had legally purchased. The attack targeted members of the Sikh faith, and following a confrontation with police, Page fatally shot himself after wounding an officer. The incident has been classified as a hate crime and domestic terrorism, prompting national and international responses, including statements from President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Singh. As of 2020, a seventh victim succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack, bringing the total fatalities to eight.
Wade Michael Page's actions are believed to be motivated by white supremacy, leading to speculation that he targeted the Sikh community due to misconceptions about their faith. Some theorize that the attack was part of a broader trend of hate crimes against minority groups in the U.S., reflecting a growing climate of intolerance. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion about the need for better awareness and education to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
The Tragic Attack at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek
The Incident
On a quiet Sunday morning, August 5, 2012, the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek became the scene of a horrific mass shooting. At approximately 10:25 a.m. CDT, Wade Michael Page, a 40-year-old white supremacist, launched a violent attack on the worshippers gathered at the temple, resulting in the death of six individuals and the injury of four more. Tragically, a seventh victim succumbed to his injuries in 2020. Page's rampage ended when he took his own life by shooting himself in the head after being shot in the stomach by responding police officers.
The Setting
The Sikh Temple, located at 7512 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, was a place of peace and reflection for the Sikh community. On that fateful day, it was bustling with preparations for langar, a communal meal, and children's classes scheduled for later in the morning. Witnesses reported that women and children were among those present when the shooting began. The temple, with its coordinates 42°54′29″N 87°54′39″W, became a tragic symbol of domestic terrorism and hate crime.
The Perpetrator
Wade Michael Page was no stranger to violence and extremist ideologies. Born on November 11, 1971, in Colorado, Page had served in the U.S. Army from 1992 to 1998, where he was trained to repair the Hawk missile system and later became a psychological operations specialist. His military career ended in disgrace with a general discharge due to misconduct, including alcohol-related incidents.
After his discharge, Page drifted into the world of white supremacy and neo-Nazi groups, becoming a member of the Hammerskins and participating in several white-power music bands such as End Apathy, Definite Hate, and Blue Eyed Devils. Despite his troubling background, Page managed to legally purchase a 9mm Springfield XD(M) semi-automatic pistol on July 28, 2012, in West Allis, Wisconsin, which he used in the attack.
The Attack
As the peaceful Sunday morning unfolded, chaos erupted at the Sikh Temple. Page, armed with his newly acquired pistol, opened fire on the unsuspecting worshippers. Four people were killed inside the temple, while three, including Page, died outside. The victims, ranging from 39 to 84 years old, included Paramjit Kaur, Satwant Singh Kaleka, Prakash Singh, Sita Singh, Ranjit Singh, and Suveg Singh.
The first police officer on the scene, Lieutenant Brian Murphy, confronted the gunman and was shot fifteen times. Despite his critical injuries, Murphy survived and was hailed as a hero. Three other men were rushed to Froedtert Hospital, including Murphy, who was later discharged on August 22, 2012.
The Investigation
The shooting was quickly classified as an act of domestic terrorism. The Oak Creek police, led by Chief John Edwards, handed the investigation over to the FBI. Authorities investigated potential ties to white supremacist groups and racial motivations. However, they found no evidence of additional conspirators or previous threats against the temple.
The FBI clarified that Page died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being shot by police. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder denounced the attack as an act of terrorism and hatred.
The Victims
The six victims of the attack were cherished members of the Sikh community. Satwant Singh Kaleka, the temple founder, was among those who lost their lives. Prakash Singh, a Granthi originally from India, had recently obtained his green card. The victims, who wore turbans as a part of their faith, included both Indian nationals and Americans.
Among the injured was Baba Punjab Singh, a Sikh Granthi who was left partially paralyzed and unable to speak. He died on March 2, 2020, at age 72, and his death was ruled a homicide.
The Aftermath
The attack sent shockwaves across the globe. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed their condolences. Candlelight vigils were held in the U.S., Canada, and India, with First Lady Michelle Obama visiting the temple on August 23, 2012.
In the political arena, the shooting prompted discussions about hate crimes and gun control. Amar Kaleka, the son of Satwant Singh Kaleka, became an advocate for these issues and ran for political office in Wisconsin.
The Sikh Coalition has since promoted the National Day of Sevā to honor the victims, while political scientist Naunihal Singh criticized the media's limited coverage of the attack, attributing it to the racial and religious identities of the shooter and victims.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article: Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Sikh Temple Shooting
Wade Michael Page opens fire at the Sikh temple, killing six and injuring four others.
Page Commits Suicide
After being shot by police, Wade Michael Page fatally shoots himself.
Gunman Identified
Authorities identify Wade Michael Page as the shooter and confirm his ties to white supremacist groups.
Federal Investigation
The FBI classifies the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and begins a thorough investigation.
First Lady Visits
First Lady Michelle Obama visits the Sikh temple to pay respects to the victims' families.
Congressional Hearing
A Congressional hearing addresses hate crimes in response to the Sikh temple shooting.
Seventh Victim Dies
Baba Punjab Singh, injured in the shooting, dies from his wounds, bringing the death toll to eight.